Who’s #1? Who else? It has to be Brad Friedel, of course. The old man from Lakewood, Ohio has played more consecutive matches than anyone in EPL history. I am not talking about just Americans, I am talking about anyone. To put someone else as #1 on this list would be to insult the intelligence of you PLTO readers.
Friedel isn’t just the “Iron Horse” of the Premiership though, he’s also a damn fine goalie. He began his Prem career with Liverpool in 1997, though in three seasons he would only get to man the net in 25 league matches. Of course, in 2001 his play would quickly improve and inspire Blackburn. As a result, he would spend the next seven season’s there as the Rovers’ stalwart in goal. At the end of last year, he was dealt to Aston Villa for some mighty big money.
He has now played in over 175 consecutive matches, and 339 games overall. The funny thing is, if not for some crazy work permit problems early in his career, Friedel could have been playing in the EPL for even longer. He is an American icon in the Premiership, and I hope he continues to play in England for as long as he can.
One humorous side note about Brad: he has been in England so long now that he actually sounds like he has an English accent! Have you heard him? He literally sounds like he’s been around the English for so long that he has lost his initial pattern of speech. Of course, the English still say he sounds like an American. So, I guess Brad’s reward for being the greatest US Player in EPL history is that he is truly an island unto himself and a nationality all his own.
All I know is this: Friedel won a League Cup in 2002, was named to the EPL Best XI the same year, and has now played more consecutive matches that any other player in league history. He is the Prem’s Cal Ripken and we should all salute him for his accomplishment, which could only be achieved through consistency and determination. He is the greatest American player in the history of the Premiership.
If you have an argument as to why he is not, or if you think I omitted someone else from this list (which was arduous to create), please let me hear about it in the comments. Until then, I bid you good bye and I simply ask that you keep coming back to PLTO for the best news, commentary and analysis on the world’s most beautiful game.
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